Upgrading the sound system on your Jeep Wrangler TJ

JMcD said:
jazngab, looks like a solid ground to me...just make sure that ridged support piece is bolted directly to the tub and/or frame with no insulating washers or something similar...also I would suggest a test. run a wire with some alligator clips from the battery to that ground connection. it doesn't have to a large wire cause you wont be amping up. all our looking for is the power light on the amp to go on.
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Thanks for your input. I bought a voltage meter and tested the power, ground, and remote connections. It was the remote connection that wasn’t getting enough power to turn on the amp. So apparently that wire on the back of my headunit that’s labeled “remote control” is more used for steering wheel controls and not the amp remote. So I spliced the remote wire into the red power wire to the headunit. Worked like a charm and everything’s up and running.
 
rasband said:
My entire outfit was around there, well worth replacing the rubbish paper cones from the factory:

* 4xPolk DB522 ($116, 2 come per order): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZWFNKA/?tag=wranglerorg-20 (check crutchfield for the jeep adapters)
* 1xSound Ordnance B-8PTD ($150) - plus you'll need a wiring kit for the positive + in-line fuse at $10-20: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IF9IIWK/?tag=wranglerorg-20
* 2xDash Pods ($80) - seriously you will want these, otherwise sound is just lost on the front dash: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T1AB28Y/?tag=wranglerorg-20
* Sony XAV-AX100 ($200) - this goes out of your budget, and I got a steal on it, but figured I would include the full build.

The polks fit the factory location dash+sound bar (in the dash with the dash pod addition, otherwise you need 4x6 or an adapter plate, but really you want the dash pod) and the sub replaced the center console one by just sitting in there where the factory box would have been once I removed it.

Before you choose a head that's ~$350-$375, leaving a nice bit of the budget for a head unit (unless you want to go CarPlay or Android Auto support, but just bluetooth/aux would work in this budget).
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I just did almost exactly the same setup in my Jeep (except didn't do the powered sub as I'm putting the sub into a locking Tuffy center console down the road). I concur that the dash pods make a huge difference in sound. My jeep had already been upgraded with high quality dash speakers (4x6 Infinity Kappas) and still sounded like crap. With the dash pods and 5.25" Polk speakers, it sounds like a wholly different system.
 
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John9999 said:
I just did almost exactly the same setup in my Jeep (except didn't do the powered sub as I'm putting the sub into a locking Tuffy center console down the road). I concur that the dash pods make a huge difference in sound. My jeep had already been upgraded with high quality dash speakers (4x6 Infinity Kappas) and still sounded like crap. With the dash pods and 5.25" Polk speakers, it sounds like a wholly different system.
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I got the boom mat speaker baffles which I stuffed with pillow stuffing. The baffles only cost about $11 on Amazon compared to $80 for dash pods. Using with the DB522s and sounds great.
 
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jazngab said:
I got the boom mat speaker baffles which I stuffed with pillow stuffing. The baffles only cost about $11 on Amazon compared to $80 for dash pods. Using with the DB522s and sounds great.
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I’ve heard mixed reviews on this so far, some people seem to end up just buying the dash pods. I’d definitely suggest people try the cheaper route first and see if it works for you.
 
rasband said:
I’ve heard mixed reviews on this so far, some people seem to end up just buying the dash pods. I’d definitely suggest people try the cheaper route first and see if it works for you.
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I agree with going the cheaper route first. To me $80 for pods is a lot. Same price as the speakers itself. I’m no audiophile but I’m just happy overall with the improvement over the stock setup because it was that much better. I’m not even sure if I’d be able to hear the difference if I compared the baffles to the pods lol
 
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'99WranglerSport said:
Good thread to read. I have a '99 TJ that didn't come with a center console set up for a subwoofer. I bought a new head unit, sound bar speakers and dashboard speakers. I'd like an amp and a subwoofer to complete it. However, as I said, my center console didn't come with a subwoofer setup. Also, I took my backseat out and have the weathertech cargo liner there, so under the backseat isn't an option either. Any other places that I could put a subwoofer? I also can't mount it to the back door, as I have the G.E.A.R. tailgate bags installed there. Under my driver seat is the Tuffy conceal carry box.

I'd be ok with buying the amp and subwoofer that Chris bought if I could find a place for them. Thanks in advance for your help.
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Why is the Weathertech Cargo Liner an obstacle for under the rear seat mount location? Isn’t the liner basically flat and lying over carpet? If so, you should have plenty of room for a slimline powered sub.
 
ctcomputers said:
Can someone provide clarification specifically for dash speaker options? Hoping for a relatively clean install without a lot of cutting/modification needed. Are specific adapters needed to fit a 5.25 in the stock locations? Also was an inexpensive pod available for the dash? Thanks!


EDIT-- Is below correct?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009DHE462/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039YWT62/?tag=wranglerorg-20
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Yes. Those should work to install 5.25 speakers in the front.
 
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Chris said:
I see a lot of questions about how to get a better sound system from your Jeep Wrangler TJ. People will often dismiss the TJ as being a vehicle with poor sound dynamics to begin with, and while this is true to some degree, I can tell you that the sound system I have in my 2005 TJ Rubicon is absolutely killer, and it didn't break the bank either!

At 65+ on the highway with the doors off and the top off, I can hear the sound loud and clear without any issue at all. I have my subwoofer volume set at 6 (out of 12) and the subwoofer volume on the amp only turned to half way. Yet the bass still kicks like you wouldn't believe!

Here's what I am using for my setup:
Some of the components I bought from Crutchfield, while others I got from Amazon.

But that's it, literally. I mounted the amp underneath the front center console (it's a very tiny amp) and the subwoofer is mounted in place of the factory subwoofer (which some TJs came with). The amp powers the subwoofer alone, and the speakers are driven off the head unit.

This sound system is no joke, I mean it. I was expecting it to be a little better than stock, but I wasn't expecting it to be this good. If you crank the volume all the way up to 35 (the highest it goes), it's deafening.

I highly recommend this setup to anyone who is looking to improve the sound in their TJ without breaking the bank. This is all you'll need, I can promise you that.

So while this isn't a "how-to" guide in terms of installing it, I feel like this is a fantastic setup at a price that won't leave you broke.
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I just added up the parts per your
Chris said:
I see a lot of questions about how to get a better sound system from your Jeep Wrangler TJ. People will often dismiss the TJ as being a vehicle with poor sound dynamics to begin with, and while this is true to some degree, I can tell you that the sound system I have in my 2005 TJ Rubicon is absolutely killer, and it didn't break the bank either!

At 65+ on the highway with the doors off and the top off, I can hear the sound loud and clear without any issue at all. I have my subwoofer volume set at 6 (out of 12) and the subwoofer volume on the amp only turned to half way. Yet the bass still kicks like you wouldn't believe!

Here's what I am using for my setup:
Some of the components I bought from Crutchfield, while others I got from Amazon.

But that's it, literally. I mounted the amp underneath the front center console (it's a very tiny amp) and the subwoofer is mounted in place of the factory subwoofer (which some TJs came with). The amp powers the subwoofer alone, and the speakers are driven off the head unit.

This sound system is no joke, I mean it. I was expecting it to be a little better than stock, but I wasn't expecting it to be this good. If you crank the volume all the way up to 35 (the highest it goes), it's deafening.

I highly recommend this setup to anyone who is looking to improve the sound in their TJ without breaking the bank. This is all you'll need, I can promise you that.

So while this isn't a "how-to" guide in terms of installing it, I feel like this is a fantastic setup at a price that won't leave you broke.
Click to expand...
I just added up the prices on your system and I came up with just under $400
The kicker pxa 200 amp is not available, but it looks like about the same thing is available on Amazon
 
Chris said:
I see a lot of questions about how to get a better sound system from your Jeep Wrangler TJ. People will often dismiss the TJ as being a vehicle with poor sound dynamics to begin with, and while this is true to some degree, I can tell you that the sound system I have in my 2005 TJ Rubicon is absolutely killer, and it didn't break the bank either!

At 65+ on the highway with the doors off and the top off, I can hear the sound loud and clear without any issue at all. I have my subwoofer volume set at 6 (out of 12) and the subwoofer volume on the amp only turned to half way. Yet the bass still kicks like you wouldn't believe!

Here's what I am using for my setup:
Some of the components I bought from Crutchfield, while others I got from Amazon.

But that's it, literally. I mounted the amp underneath the front center console (it's a very tiny amp) and the subwoofer is mounted in place of the factory subwoofer (which some TJs came with). The amp powers the subwoofer alone, and the speakers are driven off the head unit.

This sound system is no joke, I mean it. I was expecting it to be a little better than stock, but I wasn't expecting it to be this good. If you crank the volume all the way up to 35 (the highest it goes), it's deafening.

I highly recommend this setup to anyone who is looking to improve the sound in their TJ without breaking the bank. This is all you'll need, I can promise you that.

So while this isn't a "how-to" guide in terms of installing it, I feel like this is a fantastic setup at a price that won't leave you broke.
Click to expand...
I don't think my tj came with a subwoofer originally. Im out of town and cant verify that right now. If not, how would I mount the sub or would you go a different way?

thanks
 
I just recently upgraded my entire sound system in my 03 TJ with the following and it sounds AMAZING!
Jeep2.jpg

Amplifier
JL Audio JX400/4D 4-channel car amplifier

Rear Sound Bar
JL Audio C2-650X Evolution Series 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers

Front Speakers
Jl Audio C2-400x 4-Inch 2 Way Speakers

10" Subwoofer --Mounted in cargo area with L Brackets
JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1 400W MicroSub+ Amplified Subwoofer

Head Unit
JVC KD-RD79BT Single DIN Bluetooth Car Stereo, iPod & Android USB Connectivity
 
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Lots of good info here.

I've got the factory radio (cd doesn't work, AM rarely and FM goes in and out when it wants to) and the 7 speaker sound system with subwoofer. I just caught a Kenwood KMM-BT322U digital media head unit with bluetooth on sale at Crutchfield and figure on using it for a while with the factory speakers until I can get around to putting better ones in there. Package tracking says it'll be here today.

It's been a couple of decades since I last did anything with car stereo. This ought to be fun. Just hope it doesn't get "interesting".
 
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Willys LJ said:
Lots of good info here.

I've got the factory radio (cd doesn't work, AM rarely and FM goes in and out when it wants to) and the 7 speaker sound system with subwoofer. I just caught a Kenwood KMM-BT322U digital media head unit with bluetooth on sale at Crutchfield and figure on using it for a while with the factory speakers until I can get around to putting better ones in there. Package tracking says it'll be here today.

It's been a couple of decades since I last did anything with car stereo. This ought to be fun. Just hope it doesn't get "interesting".
Click to expand...
I almost bought that same headunit from Best Buy on sale for $60 but went with the JVC X255BT for $50 instead only because it was $10 cheaper. Probably can’t go wrong either way tho. Both had really good reviews.
 
What tipped me towards the Kenwood was that I could easily add Sirius radio to it later on.

I got it yesterday afternoon, but I need to swap out my O2 sensors before I mess around with the radio.
 
I've got the Kenwood in and going. The stock 7 speaker system sounds a heck of a lot better now. The install kit that came with the radio from Crutchfield made it easy peasy to install and it looks great in there.

While I was busy splicing wires from the Kenwood harness to the adapter harness, I tried out those new fangled shrink connectors with the low temp melt solder in the middle. They work great with my old heat gun on high. Once I got the hang of it, 10 seconds tops from start to finish to splice the wires together and then solder & seal them up.
 
Chris said:
I see a lot of questions about how to get a better sound system from your Jeep Wrangler TJ. People will often dismiss the TJ as being a vehicle with poor sound dynamics to begin with, and while this is true to some degree, I can tell you that the sound system I have in my 2005 TJ Rubicon is absolutely killer, and it didn't break the bank either!

At 65+ on the highway with the doors off and the top off, I can hear the sound loud and clear without any issue at all. I have my subwoofer volume set at 6 (out of 12) and the subwoofer volume on the amp only turned to half way. Yet the bass still kicks like you wouldn't believe!

Here's what I am using for my setup:
Some of the components I bought from Crutchfield, while others I got from Amazon.

But that's it, literally. I mounted the amp underneath the front center console (it's a very tiny amp) and the subwoofer is mounted in place of the factory subwoofer (which some TJs came with). The amp powers the subwoofer alone, and the speakers are driven off the head unit.

This sound system is no joke, I mean it. I was expecting it to be a little better than stock, but I wasn't expecting it to be this good. If you crank the volume all the way up to 35 (the highest it goes), it's deafening.

I highly recommend this setup to anyone who is looking to improve the sound in their TJ without breaking the bank. This is all you'll need, I can promise you that.

So while this isn't a "how-to" guide in terms of installing it, I feel like this is a fantastic setup at a price that won't leave you broke.
Click to expand...

Is one 20oz bag of polyfil enough for both speaker openings in the sound bar?
 
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